15 Garden Tips Passed Down from Generation to Generation
These tried-and-true gardening hacks have stood the test of time—and still yield impressive results.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Long before garden centers and internet how-tos, families passed along simple, clever methods for growing strong plants and big harvests. These old-school tips are grounded in a deep connection to the land. These timeless techniques still work wonders for your garden.
1. Plant by the Moon
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Old-timers swore by the lunar calendar for planting and harvesting. They believed that certain moon phases encouraged root or leaf growth.
2. Use Coffee Grounds for Soil Boost
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Don’t toss those used grounds—scatter them around plants instead. They enrich the soil with nitrogen and help improve texture.
3. Rotate Your Crops
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Grandparents didn’t just plant willy-nilly—they knew to switch things up each year. Changing crop locations helps prevent soil depletion and reduces diseases.
4. Save Seeds from the Best Plants
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Back in the day, buying seeds every year wasn’t an option. Gardeners saved seeds from the strongest, tastiest plants to replant.
5. Bury Kitchen Scraps
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Instead of compost piles, many just dug a hole and buried vegetable peels and eggshells. It fed the soil right where you needed it.
6. Pinch Off the First Blossoms
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It may seem counterintuitive, but removing early blooms encourages plants to grow stronger roots first. This trick leads to bigger yields later on.
7. Water Early in the Morning
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This advice wasn’t about convenience—it was about plant health. Early watering lets moisture soak in before the sun evaporates it, reducing fungal growth overnight.
8. Use Marigolds to Keep Bugs Away
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Grandma knew that planting marigolds around veggies helped repel pests naturally. Their scent deters aphids, beetles, and even rabbits.
9. Let Chickens or Ducks Roam
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Before pesticides, poultry handled the bugs. Chickens scratched up weeds and ate pests, while ducks loved slugs.
10. Use Ashes from the Fireplace
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Small amounts of wood ash were sprinkled into garden beds to raise pH and add potassium. This was especially beneficial for crops like tomatoes and beans.
11. Companion Planting
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Certain plants help each other thrive when grown side by side. For example, basil boosts tomatoes, and beans fix nitrogen for corn.
12. Mulch with What You Have
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Old leaves, straws, or even newspapers helped retain moisture and suppress weeds. Mulching wasn’t about aesthetics—it was about results.
13. Use Soap Shavings to Deter Deer
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Bars of strong-scented soap hung from trees or posts helped keep curious deer away. The scent confused their senses and signaled danger.
14. Collect Rainwater
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Rain barrels weren’t just practical—they were essential. The water saved was used during dry spells and didn’t come with a bill.
15. Share and Swap Plants
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Neighbors traded cuttings, seeds, and tips like currency. This built community and brought in new varieties. It was about generosity, not just gardening.